Globetrotter brings tricks, wisdom to students

Kenny Rodriguez spoke to students about the importance of following dreams and taking responsibility, all while showing off a few signature tricks.

By Jackie AlexanderStaff writer

Kenny Rodriguez dreamed of being one of the best basketball players in the world.

“I was always the shortest person on the court, and I wanted to show people that short people could play the game,” the New York City native told Duval Elementary School students Wednesday.

Rodriguez is doing just that as part of the Harlem Globetrotters squad. He spoke to students about the importance of following dreams and taking responsibility, all while showing off a few signature tricks.

Principal Donna Jones said the visit supports the school's “Character Counts” program in which students learn every month about a different positive trait and earn rewards.

Rodriguez has played with the Globetrotters for four seasons and goes by the nickname “Blenda,” because “I make smoothies out of my defenders,” he said.

Students and teachers played several games with and learned tricks from Rodriguez.

Assistant Principal Daniel Burney rolled the basketball around his back before shaking it for the crowd.

“It seems I get pulled to the side every time we have a guest,” he said. “Anything to entertain the kids, I'm all for it.”

Fourth-grader Jasmine Fleming, 10, went one on one with Rodriguez after other students dropped the ball and were out.

“It was really fun,” she said. “My favorite part was when he tried to trick me.”

But it wasn't all fun and games. Rodriguez told the students about his motto, CHEER, which stands for cooperation, healthy minds and bodies, effort, enthusiasm and responsibility.

“We're role models to kids,” he said. “Kids don't get this a lot.”

Don't just go home and play video games, Rodriguez said.

“Pick up a book and read it, because it's going to help you in the rest of life,” he said.

Burney said he thinks the students got the message.

“He really reiterated some of the values we're trying to instill in the students,” he said.

Fifth-grader Josh Singleton, 12, said he learned about the importance of character during the visit.

“If you don't have character, most people are going to treat you bad,” he said.